The Bushwick community came together on December 7, 2024, for a heartwarming Christmas tree lighting in Irving Square Park, marking the first such gathering since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event featured performances by El Puente and students from P.S 151, who presented songs in both Spanish and English. Families enjoyed free cookies and hot cocoa from Saint Michael Cafe, and engaged in arts and crafts with volunteers from Friends of Irving Square Park. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce sponsored the tree lighting ceremony.
Over one hundred community members, many of them children, eagerly participated in the countdown to the tree lighting with Santa Claus, following a session of caroling. This event was the first community-wide Christmas celebration since the pandemic began.
Community Board 4 expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “This is what it’s all about, the community board just loved bringing people together, connecting with our local politicians and bringing everyone together to celebrate what makes Bushwick special”.
While the community rejoiced in the holiday spirit, there was also a moment to reflect on the loss of community leader Barbara Smith. Smith, the president of the 83rd precinct clergy council, was remembered as a “titan of the community” whose absence was deeply felt. Councilwoman Sandy Hooks acknowledged her contributions, stating, “…Miss Barbara Smith is an incredible woman. She was a leader here in Bushwick for many, many decades. She worked really hard to build up this community. She built a great relationship between the community and the precinct here. She was just a titan of the community,”. Captain of NYPD’s 83rd Precinct David Poggioli, who knew Barbara Smith for 11 years, told Bushwick Daily, “She was always working for the community towards a common goal. She was a genuine good person who wanted to see this community thrive. It’s a tremendous loss to the community and that’s an understatement.”
Assemblyperson Maritza Davila also made a heartfelt post honoring the legacy of Smith on December 10th on X.com. “It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to my beloved friend Barbara Smith, a dear friend, leader, and advocate who dedicated her life to the betterment of our community. As the President of the 83rd Precinct Community Council, Barbara worked tirelessly to bridge gaps, bring people together, and ensure that every voice was heard. Her compassion, strength, and commitment to justice were an inspiration to all who had the honor of working alongside her. Heaven has truly gained a new angel. Barbara’s legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched and the community she loved so deeply. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her family find comfort in the outpouring of love and gratitude from all of us who cherished her.”
The Tree Lighting Ceremony continued with performances before Santa led the countdown to light the tree alongside choir students from P.S 151. Attendees enjoyed hot chocolate from Saint Michel, celebrating the community’s first Christmas gathering since the pandemic began. Santa concluded the event by riding off in his sleigh.
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